For seven years, downtown has played host to public art. It all began with the bears in 2003 with a successful five year run of Bearfootin’ in Hendersonville. Last year introduced the goats of “Kidding Around Downtown” to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Connemara, the Carl Sandburg Home, becoming part of the National Park System. This year with apples, downtown celebrates the rich agricultural background of Henderson County.

“This year, we are not only welcoming new fiberglass sculptures instead of animals to our streets, we have added many new sponsors and partners as well,” says Lee Henderson-Hill, executive director for Downtown Hendersonville Inc.

The festivities to showcase this year’s Slice of Hendersonville opening will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Gazebo in the 400 Block of Main Street. A ribbon cutting will be held and 15 artfully decorated apple halves will be unveiled for public viewing. A guided tour throughout the historic district will provide visitors a close up view and feature “Apple Seeds.” Apple Seeds will give visitors behind the scenes information and tell about the sponsors.

The artists will be available to give some insight on the design concept and materials used as well as provide information regarding their artist interpretation.

Several folks work behind the scenes each year to make the public art display events a success, including the City of Hendersonville, Hendersonville Public Works Department, Hendersonville Police Department, Henderson County Travel & Tourism, Hendersonville Times-News and L & L Hill’s Body Shop.

The apples will remain on permanent display through Saturday, Oct. 24, at which time a public auction will take place. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit local Henderson County charities.

<p>Historic Downtown Hendersonville will host A Slice of Hendersonville, the 2009 Public Art Display Project, starting Saturday. </p><p>For seven years, downtown has played host to public art. It all began with the bears in 2003 with a successful five year run of Bearfootin’ in Hendersonville. Last year introduced the goats of Kidding Around Downtown to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Connemara, the Carl Sandburg Home, becoming part of the National Park System. This year with apples, downtown celebrates the rich agricultural background of Henderson County.</p><p>This year, we are not only welcoming new fiberglass sculptures instead of animals to our streets, we have added many new sponsors and partners as well, says Lee Henderson-Hill, executive director for Downtown Hendersonville Inc. </p><p>The festivities to showcase this year’s Slice of Hendersonville opening will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Gazebo in the 400 Block of Main Street. A ribbon cutting will be held and 15 artfully decorated apple halves will be unveiled for public viewing. A guided tour throughout the historic district will provide visitors a close up view and feature Apple Seeds. Apple Seeds will give visitors behind the scenes information and tell about the sponsors. </p><p>The artists will be available to give some insight on the design concept and materials used as well as provide information regarding their artist interpretation.</p><p>Sponsors for 2009 include: Kilwin’s of Hendersonville, Shelley’s Jewelry, North Carolina Apple Festival Inc., Mast General Store, American Doll and youteezme.com, the Goldsmith by Rudi, Historic Seventh Avenue District Inc., Apple Country Transit, Delton & David Interiors, WTZQ AM 1600, Times-News and blueridgenow.com, Pardee Hospital, Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, Hannah Flanagan’s and the 100 Block Stores  Sherman’s Sports and Army Store, Floral Decor and Homestead.</p><p>Several folks work behind the scenes each year to make the public art display events a success, including the City of Hendersonville, Hendersonville Public Works Department, Hendersonville Police Department, Henderson County Travel & Tourism, Hendersonville Times-News and L & L Hill’s Body Shop.</p><p>The apples will remain on permanent display through Saturday, Oct. 24, at which time a public auction will take place. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit local Henderson County charities.</p><p>For more information, call Lee Henderson-Hill, executive director of Downtown Hendersonville Inc., at 697-2022.</p>